Human trafficker arrested in Hyderabad after 2,500 km chase for forcing Indians into cybercrime

Kamran Zaidi’s arrest followed months of technical surveillance and manual tracking

December 9, 2024

Cybercrime kingpin arrested after 2,500-km chase

In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police arrested Kamran Haider alias Zaidi, a wanted cybercrime kingpin, from Hyderabad after a relentless 2,500-km chase. Zaidi, carrying a Rs.2 lakh bounty declared by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), is accused of trafficking young Indian men abroad and forcing them into cyber scams through fake job offers.

The human trafficking and cybercrime nexus

According to Delhi Police, Zaidi and his associates lured vulnerable job seekers from India with fake job offers in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect. Upon arrival, the victims’ passports were confiscated, and they were coerced into working for Chinese-run cybercrime firms targeting Indians, Europeans, and Americans through online scams.

Arrest after multi-state pursuit

Zaidi’s arrest followed months of technical surveillance and manual tracking. His frequent change of locations complicated the operation, prompting police to deploy teams across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

“After relentless tracking, Zaidi was finally located near Nampally Railway Station in Hyderabad, where he was arrested while trying to escape to another hideout,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Manoj C.

How the scam unfolded

The scam surfaced after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed in Delhi’s New Friends Colony on May 27. The complainant, Naresh Lakhwat, shared how he was duped by a fraudulent job consultancy firm, Ali International Service. After being promised employment in Thailand and Laos, he was trafficked to Thailand, where his passport was seized, and he was forced to work in a Chinese-operated cybercrime unit scamming unsuspecting Indians online.

Criminal network exposed

The NIA investigation exposed a well-organized human trafficking and cybercrime network. The key individuals involved include:

Kamran Haider alias Zaidi (Ringleader)
Manzoor Alam alias Guddu
Sahil
Ashish alias Akhil
Pawan Yadav alias Afzal

Cryptocurrency extortion and abuse

The investigation also uncovered instances of abuse and extortion. Victims attempting to escape the network were forced to pay ransom in cryptocurrency to avoid severe repercussions. Many were subjected to harsh working conditions and deprived of basic human rights.

Global implications

The arrest of Zaidi marks a critical step in dismantling the transnational cybercrime and human trafficking network. The authorities have intensified their investigation, with further arrests and legal action expected in the coming weeks.

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